Tri-clamps are one of the most common types of tube connections in the food, beverage, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. This type of connection consists of a compressed gasket between two ferrules or three-clamp flanges which are mechanically compressed in position with a clamp. Tri-clamp fittings are available in a variety of sizes, can be constructed of both steel and plastic, and can be either permanent or temporary. The clamp itself is also available in a variety of designs to facilitate disassembly and cleaning.
It is therefore essential to select the right type of three-terminal fitting to ensure that the connection works effectively in a given application. Choosing the right size and type of joint can help minimize or eliminate contamination, bacterial growth, losses and deterioration of the connection material.
Typical applications for Tri-Clamp seals and Tri-Clamp fittings
According to Hydraulic Fittings manufacturers in India three-terminal fittings and seals are typically used in hygienic or sanitary applications. In other words, they are ideal for the transport of liquids that require a high degree of purity with the minimum risk of contamination.
In the pharmaceutical, biotechnological and food and beverage industries, the disassembly, cleaning and reconfiguration of clamp connections are essential. To maintain a sterile environment that complies with various industry regulations and standards, clamps are needed. Inappropriate connections can trap contaminants and port bacteria which can potentially ruin batches of process fluids with costly implications.
Triple clamp connections provide a smooth, non-contaminating internal joint for the pipes. The connections are not made up of threads, pockets or narrow spokes which tend to form entrapment areas.
How to choose the right three-terminal connection
The choice of the most suitable tri-clamp fitting usually starts with the correct selection of the material as by Instrumentation Valve manufacturers. When choosing between steel or plastic, the operating environment must first be analyzed.
Some of the main factors that require to think to include:
- Temperature range
- Pressure range
- Bring
- Fluid compatibility
- Environmental exposure
While stainless steel may be suitable for very high temperature and high-pressure applications, these environments are rarely found in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry. Generally, plastic is suitable for most environments, especially in applications where the connection is subject to regular assembly and disassembly operations. Plastic three-terminal fittings have the advantage of being extremely versatile.
In most applications, polypropylene fittings provide sufficient mechanical, chemical and functional properties for disposable systems. Other polymeric resins commonly used for the production of three-terminal sanitary fittings. They include polycarbonate, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and polysulfone.
Once the appropriate material has been determined based on the operating environment, the appropriate fitting size should be chosen. When determining the correct size of the tri-clamp, it is important to remember that the size of the fitting. According to Ball Valve manufacturer in India, the size is based on the outer diameter of the tube and not on the diameter of the flange. This distinction is critical as the flange is typically about ½ inch wider than the tube. For example, if you were to specify a 2-inch tri-clamp fitting based on the size of the flange, the fitting would be ½ inch too large at the time of installation.